Press Release

F OR IMMEDIA TE RELE ASE Contact: Patrick R.

McCormack
Tuesday , Ma rch 30, 2010 (860) 823-1189

Well Flooding Co nc e r ns
Uncas Health District provides recommendations

Norwi ch – When heavy precipitation, causes flooding, it is important

to recognize that these events can affect the quality of drinking water
obtained from drilled wells, shallow wells and springs. Most at risk
would include water sources that are in areas where flooding has
occurred and is imminent, such as drilled wells located in well pits
where groundwater tables have risen in the pit above the top of the
well head, and shallow wells or springs located down gradient from open
pollution sources such as agricultural or animal waste run-off or
nearby septic systems. Other indicators of pollution may include water
discoloration or unusual taste or odor to your private water supply.

Homeowners are encouraged to frequently inspect their water sources

to determine if there may be conditions present that would make their
private water sources vulnerable to pollution and possible
contamination.

If these conditions are present, disinfection of the source followed by

water
sampling (both bacteriological & certain chemical parameters) is
encouraged and you are advised to contact the Uncas Health District if
necessary. Any unusual aesthetic changes to the water (color, taste
or odor) should also trigger precautionary measures such as the use of
bottled water for drinking and cooking are recommended until water
testing can determine if contamination is present in the water supply.
401 West Thames Street – Suite 106, Norwich, CT 06360
Telephone No. (860) 823-1189 FAX No. (860) 887-7898
E-Mail: doh@uncashd.org
Internet: http://www.uncashd.org
The Uncas Health District can recommend the appropriate types of
water testing for your private water system during these events.
Total coliform bacteria and E. coli bacteria are used as indicators of
bacteriological contamination. The presence of E. coli bacteria
indicates that the source of contamination has a fecal origin and there
may be more harmful organisms present. If bacteriological
contamination is present in the water supply after these storm
events, you are encouraged to use bottled water for drinking, cooking,
and other uses that may result in direct or indirect ingestion. Boiling
the water rapidly for a minimum of one minute can also effectively
disinfect water. Persons bathing or washing with water that has been
contaminated with fecal matter may also experience an increased risk
to health.
Therefore, do not use the water for any domestic use until it has been
deemed potable for human consumption. Any private well systems that
provide water treatment including continuous disinfection (chlorine or
ultraviolet light) of their water supply are encouraged to test the
untreated water f rom the well suspected of being compromised by
pollution from flooding or run-off. It may be appropriate to perform
untreated water testing of each water source as a precautionary
measure even if there are no obvious signs of concern. Keep in mind
that flood waters entering a well can change the quality of the water
and introduce sediment, organic matter and contamination that could
overwhelm a treatment system and render it ineffective as a
safeguard to bacterial contamination.

In addition to the wells themselves, buried water storage tanks or

other water system components can also be vulnerable to
contamination. Seek the advice of a professional well driller, water
treatment specialist or the Uncas Health District if you are not
confident about your private water system’s integrity.
Typically after floodwaters have receded, wells and storage tanks that
have been impacted should be thoroughly flushed, disinfected and
tested to ensure that the water is of safe sanitary quality.

Private wells that are located in well pits with inadequate drainage
should be considered automatically contaminated if flooded. After
flooding the well should be upgraded with a pit less adapter to eliminate
the pit and subsequent flooding. Other actions to improve your private
water system may be suggested by a

401 West Thames Street – Suite 106, Norwich, CT 06360

Telephone No. (860) 823-1189 FAX No. (860) 887-7898
E-Mail: doh@uncashd.org
Internet: http://www.uncashd.org
licensed well driller or plumber or the Uncas Health District at (860)
823-1189.

401 West Thames Street – Suite 106, Norwich, CT 06360

Telephone No. (860) 823-1189 FAX No. (860) 887-7898
E-Mail: doh@uncashd.org
Internet: http://www.uncashd.org